Yuma Sector agents seize multiple drugs, arrest 5

YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents working at immigration checkpoints on Interstate 8 and Arizona Highway 95 seized multiple loads of hard drugs Monday, while agents from Wellton Station’s forward operating base apprehended illegal aliens carrying backpacks of marijuana.

Shortly after noon, agents at the immigration checkpoint on Arizona Highway 95 referred a vehicle for a secondary inspection due to a canine team’s alert to possible drugs. During the search, agents found more than 34 pounds of cocaine, worth in excess of $385,000, concealed within the vehicle’s seats.

About an hour later, agents working with a canine at the immigration checkpoint on Interstate 8 east of Yuma seized 37 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 2 pounds of heroin found in a Jeep Cherokee. The drugs have a combined value of more than $150,000.

While agents were busy at the checkpoints, other agents assigned to Wellton Station’s forward operating base were also busy apprehending three individuals illegally present in the U.S. with more than 228 pounds of marijuana. Agents were tracking footprints approximately 60 miles south of Dateland, Arizona, when they caught up with the trio carrying five makeshift backpacks of marijuana with an estimated value exceeding $114,000.

All contraband, individuals and vehicles involved in the smuggling attempts are being processed in accordance with Yuma Sector guidelines.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

-CBP-

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP’s mission includes keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona.

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